Ahold USA announces certification of private-label coffee and tea

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA announced that its private-label teas now feature the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal, and that its private-label coffees are UTZ Certified. The announcement is part of an ongoing effort to be a responsible retailer, the company said.



“In all aspects of our company’s operations, we are working to minimize our impact on the environment today and for future generations, which includes promoting sustainability within our Own Brand line of private-label products, whether by the way the product is harvested or the material it is packaged in,” said Juan De Paoli, SVP brand management and Own Brands, Ahold USA. “The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal and UTZ Certified reinforce that Ahold USA is on the leading edge in sustainability with our private-label products. In addition, our customers also have the assurance that they are purchasing quality sustainable products.”

The Rainforest Alliance works to both conserve biodiversity and improve livelihoods through promoting and evaluating the implementation of globally recognized standards in a variety of fields.



“Over the last seven years, the Rainforest Alliance has been working with tea farmers large and small to improve their social and environmental management practices,” said Alex Morgan, senior manager of sustainable agriculture at the Rainforest Alliance. “We’re thrilled that Ahold USA has become a leader in sustainable tea sourcing among retailers in the United States with its private-label brands.”



UTZ certification means that Ahold USA's line of Simply Enjoy coffees have been produced to meet standards that protect the environment and promote good social practices. The certification program allows farmers to learn better farming methods, improve working environments and create better opportunities.



“We are excited to welcome Ahold USA as part of the UTZ Certified coffee program,” said Juliette Caulkins, managing director, business development Americas, UTZ Certified. “With the commitment of Ahold USA, UTZ Certified reaches a new milestone, endorsing the sustainability efforts of this quality supermarket chain in the USA, and creating opportunities for coffee producers worldwide to better market their product and improve their livelihoods.”